Dr. J. Lalik has been following W.L., a 43 year old white male, for the
past nine years, when he first presented with a small lesion on the
outside of his upper left thigh (approximately 5 x 6 cm in size). This was
diagnosed as psoriasis, and within a year, the lesions had spread to both
elbows and over 30% of both legs. The patient was referred to a
dermatologist who prescribed Nerison, a topical steroid ointment. The
patient used the Nerison ointment twice a day for approximately one year,
taking occasional breaks from the treatment as prescribed. However, with
this therapy the patient experienced no improvement although the lesions
did not spread and remained in the existing areas. Because of the lack of
success with this treatment, the patient was admitted to the hospital to
undergo therapy with topical coal tar together with UVB exposure. In the
course of this therapy, the psoriasis lesions on the arms and legs
increased significantly in size and spread to the patient’s torso, as a
result of which he withdrew from treatment after two weeks.
The patient was then prescribed treatment consisting of Dovonex and
Cyclocort, with the steroid cream applied in the morning and the Dovonex
in the evening. During this combination therapy, the newer lesions on the
torso, arms and legs were reduced in size and appeared less severe, while
the older lesions improved slightly in appearance. After more than six
years of this therapy, the lesions on the legs and elbows remained
unchanged. Due to the lack of success, when given the opportunity to test
the Miraderm® Psoriasis cream, W.L. was eager to try.
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During the first few weeks of treatment with Miraderm®, the patient was
also given a daily nutritional supplement consisting of long-chain Omega
Fatty Acids. After one week of applying Miraderm® liberally to the
affected areas, the lesions appeared redder in colour, partly because of
significantly decreased scaling. However, despite the fact that the
condition looked worse, the patient reported that the itching had stopped
and that he no longer experienced the discomfort that he had prior to this
treatment. After another two weeks, the lesions showed significant
improvement, with a reduction in size and decreased redness. The
improvement continued steadily through the third, fourth and fifth weeks
of treatment, and following the sixth week there was only a slight
discolouration of the skin where the lesions had been. After another two
weeks of applying Miraderm®, the discolouration had completely
disappeared, and although six months have passed since the patient stopped
using the Miraderm® cream, there has been no recurrence of the psoriasis.
These results are surprising in view of the fact that there appears to be
a genetic basis for his psoriasis, since two of his uncles also have this
condition.
The patient’s progress is shown in the accompanying photos, with the
photograph at the end of the first week showing increased redness,
followed by slight improvement each of the following weeks. |
